Hi, there..... I'm new to the Graflex game, having just purchased a Crown Graphic with Kalart rf,presumably making it early 50s). My new toy has an Optar 135/f4.7 lens s/n 917464, and I would like to fit a step-up ring so that I can use my 52 mm filters. The filter thread on the optar appears to be about 36mm....... can anyone confirm this for me.... thanks

Actually, all of my 135mm optars have been series 6, and I have had to use a series 6 slip on filter holder and then a step up ring to get to the filter size I needed.


Dave

The adapter ring commonly used with 135mm. f:4.7 "Optar" and "Raptar" lenses, four and a half decades ago, was a Series VI size that slipped over the lens's front flange and was held in place with a setscrew; I believe Kodak manufactured it. The slip-on kind from Enteco and others also can be used. I've not seen a screw-in model, but I don't rule out the possibility that such a thing exists.

A 38mm series VI (6) should be the ticket.

hmmmm.... I'd never heard of a "no 6 slip on filter holder", but then I'd never heard of "bay 1" stuff either till I got my Rollei and Yashicamat! Now to find one..... thanks for the replies

Correct as to 38mm = 1-1/2" series VI slip ring for the 135 Optar. There are no usable threads on the front element---those visible are only for the lens optics.

There's a step ring thread going over on the Accessories Help forum. See http://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?topic=1891&forum=12&14

The Kodak slip on is 38mm, or 1-1/2".
I aquired a 44-55mm step up that will thread into the series VI without damaging the threads. However, 44mm is not very common, and stacking adapters makes quite an air space between the glasses. One may prefer to aquire a nice set of Wratten or other series VI filters and may well find them with the lens hood that also serves as a retaining ring. Search the auction sites for VI, or series VI etc.
Depending on your exposure times, it is simple enough to handhold the filter over the lens with your fingers and just shade the face of the lens with your body or whatever (this being with a tripod employed).
Good luck,
Stephen

I solved this problem with my 135 Raptars by using my Nikon BR2A reversal ring that I have for my 35mm rig, and some self adhesive velcro. The inner diameter of the ring was juts a few mms larger then the size of the lens, so I cut some strips of the soft part of the velcro strips and ran it along the inside. It holds tight, and alows me to easily rotate the whole filter stack that I have on the lens, which means I can buy a regular polarizer and convert it into a single ring "thin" polarizer.

I image this set-up would work if you happen to come across a step-up ring that is just a little to big for the lens.

I have for years been taking the rings out of rubber lens hoods and building a gaffer tape ring around the end of the lens until I can screw the threaded ring onto the lens, this has proved very successful for me and allowed me to use standard filters on most of my lenses.

Dave

the idea of using a cheapy rubber hood as a basis sounds really good...... I've got a couple the right size so I'm going to give that a go. Thanks again.... just shows you're never too old to learn, although with the heat today, I'm getting there!